Is The Smiling Man Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Smiling Man is definitely worth watching if you enjoy TV Movie movies.
It features a runtime of 101 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Smiling Man Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 2020, The Smiling Man enters the TV Movie genre with a narrative focused on Based on a novel of by Nukui Tokuro, Hohoemu Hito tells the story of Nito Toshimi who, after graduating from Japan’s most difficult university and founding a job at a major city bank, marries Shoko and have a daughter, Amina. Under the direction of Masayuki Ochiai, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Tori Matsuzaka, Machiko Ono, Katsuhisa Namase. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, The Smiling Man offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, The Smiling Man is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 7/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of TV Movie, Drama, Mystery, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Cast of The Smiling Man
- Tori Matsuzaka – Toshimi Nito
- Machiko Ono – Akira Kamoi
- Katsuhisa Namase – Hajime Inoue
- Yoji Tanaka – Koichi Takizawa
- Tenkyû Fukuda – Kunio Sato
Top Highlights
Tori MatsuzakaToshimi Nito
Machiko OnoAkira Kamoi
Katsuhisa NamaseHajime Inoue
Yoji TanakaKoichi Takizawa
Tenkyû FukudaKunio Sato
Ryohei AbeKeijiro Kajiwara
Sho YakumaruYasushi hosaka
Nori SatoKasumi
Toshihito KokuboTakuro Kamoi
Fuga ShibazakiToshimi Nito (child)
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, The Smiling Man stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2020 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Smiling Man movie hit or flop?
The Smiling Man is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of TV Movie, Drama, Mystery movies.
Is The Smiling Man worth watching?
Yes, The Smiling Man is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of TV Movie, Drama, Mystery cinema.
What genre is The Smiling Man?
The Smiling Man is a TV Movie, Drama, Mystery movie that Based on a novel of by Nukui Tokuro, Hohoemu Hito tells the story of Nito Toshimi who, after graduating from Japan’s most difficult university and fou...
